Scouting Report

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I’m not a huge fan of this safety class, but Andre Cisco is by far my favorite safety this year. In 2020, he played alongside potential first round cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu and they combined for one of the coldest secondaries in college football. During the 2019 season, Cisco was extremely productive posting five interceptions. While in pre-game warmups of Syracuse’s third game of 2020, Cisco suffered a torn ACL which has really hurt his draft stock. By the start of the 2021 NFL regular season, I expect Cisco to be a full go, but this could cause a little draft day slide. One of the big differences between this draft and other years are how the medicals really affect the prospects. This medical process is a lot different than in years past because there is no combine where all the records are set in stone by a certain date. Teams have to rely on outside sources for honest medical reports which could really hurt players like Cisco.

A common theme for safeties in this draft is versatility. Having played free safety, strong safety, and linebacker, Cisco might be the most versatile safety in the draft. His body type fits more as a strong safety as does his ability to light players up. Cisco never shies away from contact, if anything he actually invites it. You can tell which players like to tackle and which players are scared to, Cisco LOVES to tackle. While his body type may fit better as a strong safety, his range and ball skills fit the mold for a free safety. In 2019 and 2020 combined, Cisco had six interceptions in 11 games which is about a pick every other game. He’s both a ball hawk and a banger, so this comparison I made for him should not be taken lightly. Cisco reminds me of the old 49ers free safety Dashon Goldson. Back in the day, Goldson moved all around the Vic Fangio defense and I can see Cisco in a similar role in the NFL. I love Cisco’s “see ball get ball” mentality and if he can stay healthy he has pro bowl potential. 

The biggest worry with Cisco is his health. He’s been posting videos of him backpedaling on his instagram and I expect him to be ready by training camp. If Cisco can stay healthy, there are just a few worries with his game. When tasked with covering speedy receivers, Cisco gets beat over top. Cisco has great closing speed when the ball is in the air, but he doesn’t have great long speed. When a receiver is in Cisco’s sight, he’s the hammer and they’re the nail. With that being said, Cisco may over pursue and completely miss a tackle. I’d also like to see him be more active with his hands when using catch technique. I think teams will be able to use Cisco as a Swiss army knife on their defense. 

I have a really good feeling about Cisco, especially if he can stay healthy. As I mentioned earlier, he reminds me a lot of Dashon Goldson, but a modern day comparison is Jaquiski Tartt. Both are players that can play all over the secondary, are good tacklers, and good in coverage. Tartt only has one year left on his deal with the 49ers, so I can see San Francisco bringing him in with their compensatory pick in round three. The Broncos are coached by Vic Fangio who I said previously used Goldson to perfection. With Kareem Jackson getting older, Cisco could learn under him for a year then take over the starting job. The Lions and Titans are also candidates to draft Cisco on day two or day three. I’m so high on Cisco, I actually have a second round grade on him and I think he may be the best safety in the draft.